Overview | Symptoms and Causes |

Overview

Diabetes mellitus collectively refers to a group of diseases that define how the body utilizes blood sugar (glucose).

The major underlying cause for the development of diabetes varies from type to type. Regardless of the type of diabetes the patient might have, an excess of glucose in the blood is the common denominator. Blood sugar elevation, however, can mean very danger to life.

Diabetes consists in long-term conditions, some types being type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Others, such as prediabetes and gestational diabetes, could be considered reversible. Prediabetes means the blood sugar levels are higher than those considered to be normal but not enough to be a diagnosis of diabetes. In addition, if preventive action is not taken, prediabetes tends to develop into diabetes. The other type of diabetes is called gestational diabetes, and it occurs during pregnancy, most probably resolving after the baby is delivered.

Symptoms and Causes

The symptoms manifests only by an increase in the extent of blood sugar elevation. In conditions like prediabetes, gestational diabetes, or type 2 diabetes, sometimes the person does not even encounter any symptoms. It is in the case of type 1 diabetes whereby all of sudden, these symptoms begin and feature themselves heavily.

The following are some common signs and symptoms of type 1 and type 2 diabetes:

Frequent infections such as gum infection, skin infection, and genital infection.

• Frequent infections such as gum infection, skin infection, and genital infection.

When to see a doctor

• If you think you or your child may have diabetes. If you notice any possible diabetes symptoms, contact your health care provider. The earlier the condition is diagnosed, the sooner treatment can begin.
• If you’ve already been diagnosed with diabetes. After you receive your diagnosis, you’ll need close medical follow-up until your blood sugar levels stabilize.